Changes to COVID-19 recovery benefits

As the end of the Canadian Emergency, Response Benefits approaches the federal government has proposed new benefits that will helo Canadians who have been affected by the pandemic. The Canada Recovery Benefit  plan strives to include most Canadians who are currently on CERB and might not qualify for Employment Insurance.

While Bill C-2 has yet to be approved, there are concerns being raised by many across the country. An Ottawa employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joined 640 Toronto’s Alex Pierson to discuss the benefits further.

What They Discussed

• Will Canadians who are currently on CERB benefit from this new recovery program? CERB will be ending shortly and if new legislation is not passed by that time they will have a gap from the time in between CERB and the new benefits.
• What advice can be given to those about to lose CERB? For most people currently on CERB and out of work due to COVID-19, their record of employment should be updated so they can transfer to regular Employment Insurance.
• Could CERB be extended until the new recovery plans are in place? This current benefit plan could be extended in order to cover a potential gap in financial aid with legislative approval.
• Why did the government wait this long to propose a new plan? Regardless of politics, all Canadians will suffer if there is no plan firmly in place as the pandemic continues.
• Has the initial package received approval? The transition plan specifications are constantly changing, the initial transition to E. I will have to be approved by the Senate.